Paul Olsen No. 333

Update: I think I treated this flake a little unfairly in my initial review (see below). While it isn't big on flavor, its considerable tendency to bite was tamed by letting the tin set for a few weeks. I also had to rehumidify the tobacco, and that brought the more delicate flavors out.

The rum flavoring isn't really present, but instead comes through almost like a little bit of perique instead. I'm not a fan of perique or rum, so this is a bit off putting for an all day smoke. Still, it's a good quality, tasty tobacco. I would not choose it as my personal smoke, but everyone I have ever let sample it has fallen in love with it.

*A little weak on character and flavor; not much aroma; lots of tongue bite, even puffing very slowly. Smoked in same pipes normally reserved for MacBaren Navy Flake, and still bit considerably more. Not sure what the heck this flake is supposed to be all about anyway; kind of bland, kind of dry, just barely kind of anything really (but it is kind of inexpensive, so maybe worth one's while there).

I have a hard time smoking Virginia tobacco's. I seem to always burn myself. But this is one that works well for me. Outstanding flavor.

This is Paul Olsen's answer to Stokkebeye's Luxury Curly Cut, and perhaps a bit smoother. This is not a first or second tier Virginia, but it is very, very good. The tin aroma is typical Danish, offering a combination of very faint anise, peach and chocolate. None of these flavors come through in the smoke. It comes in a 100g tin in flakes about the size you would find in a 50g tin, all jumbled about. It is quality tobacco, rubs out and packs easily and burns well all the way to the dottle. It has a lightly sweetened Virginia flavor. I do not detect the rum. This is a very good smoke. It does not rank with Samuel Gawith Best Brown and Full Virginia Flake or the Rattray Virginia flakes because it lacks the depth of Virginia flavor I enjoy, but I will probably keep this on had to remind me of how well the Danes can do a straight Virginia flake. Well recommended. Paddy.

a lot of strange reviews here. First off, Olson My Blends use absolute top flight tobacco. They are different varietals than Gawith uses and different still than McClelland. They are part of the Scandinavian Tobacco group which means they share common sourcing with most of Dunhill now and Orlik and escudo and Larsen. Gawith is famous for very distinct Virginias ... and of course for how they press. The point is that the Olsen My Blends are made in the same factories (not entirely of course, because actually Lasse Berg makes some himself I believe) as a good many Dunhill blends these days. #333 is close to F& T's Special Brown Flake. They are very close in strength and taste. And Planta makes Friebourg and Treyer these days. Its a big like Chevy's being made in Brazil and toyota in Missouri. Anyway.......i think the My Blend series is very underrated. I dont know why.

I ordered this tin from the famous Danish Pipe Shop, just before they moved up to the new shop. First impression: when I opened the tin a very fresh rum aroma... quite smooth dark flakes with brighter leaves inside. Easy to rub it out. flakes are little bi moisty but still smokable. when puffing no rum taste but a fresh virginia taste is always in the foreground. this blen is not to be classified as an aromatic but this is a very satisfied VA blend